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Do you need a digger licence to operate a digger UK?

Answer

No, you do not need a valid driver’s licence or an operator’s ticket to legally use a digger on private construction sites, land, or access roads. However, the operator needs to be competent and trained in using the digger and have read and understood the operator’s manual.

However, you must have a valid driver’s licence if you operate a digger excavator on public roads in the United Kingdom.

The Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) is ultimately responsible for providing and maintaining a safe work environment and ensuring that the operator is competent to operate the digger.

Plant Tip:

All construction sites require an NPORS or CPCS excavator 360-degree ticket to operate a telehandler on a construction site. Please find NPORS or CPCS training centres listed on our site.

Check List:

Do you need a digger licence to operate a digger UK?

  • The Gov website states that you need a valid driver’s licence to operate a digger on plant roads in the UK.
  • A valid UK Driving Licence is Not Required to operate a digger excavator on Private Land

See our Plant Hire FAQs to answer all your plant hire-related questions.

See a list of our Construction Plant Training Centres

Search and explore CPCS and NPORS training centres near you.

Your journey to becoming a skilled and knowledgeable digger operator starts here.